Gypsy – Bradley Playhouse in Putnam CT

Last night we had the opportunity to attend another play in Bradley Playhouse’s 2014 season.  The play was:

 
March 28, 29 April 4, 5, 11 & 12 at 7:30pm

March 30, April 6 & 13 at2pm

Tickets are:  $21 and $18 

The musical story of stripper Gypsy Rose Lee and her hard driven, determined stage mother Mama Rose is filled with memorable musical numbers like “Everything’s Coming up Roses”.  Pushing her younger daughter June, who eventually runs away, Mama Rose turns to Louise who eventually becomes “Gypsy”.

Connect with the Bradley Playhouse:  Facebook

There are still quite a few shows remaining for Gypsy.  Check here for Ticket Information. 

The Bradley Playhouse is a 113 year-old vaudeville theatre in the heart of the Putnam Antiques and Restaurant District in the “Quiet Corner” of Northeastern Connecticut.  It is an amateur community theatre, operated by the members of The Theatre of Northeastern Connecticut, Inc.  TNECT produces six season shows per year and several special fundraising events for The Bradley Playhouse Restoration Fund.

The Bradley Playhouse has an amazing history.  Although I am not a member of the organization I was very much involved as a patron when I was younger.  Until 1985 the Bradley was known as the Imperial and was a movie theater.  I grew up with the Imperial and spent so much time there.  To this day I remember the first movie I saw there was Bambi and the movie I saw the most there was the original Indiana Jones.  I always loved going there – it was my favorite place to do throughout my entire childhood.  It was always an extra special occasion when they opened up the balcony area.  Every child wants to sit in the balcony.  I remember so many experiences at the theater – and there were some “live” ones over the years.  To see the full history Click Here. 

Most recently the Bradley has undergone some major renovations and is still working on fundraising to complete their most recent renovations.   If you would like to donate to their remaining construction expenses for the fire escape renovation – please call (860) 928-7887.  They are still trying to raise fund necessary.

Now my thoughts on the show – Gypsy was an awesome show.  I was so impressed with the caliber of singing as well as the amazing orchestra.  I don’t recall ever seeing an actual orchestra in the Imperial Theater.  That was a very exciting treat.  We were sitting right in front of the Orchestra.  What made this play even more exciting is we knew several members of the cast, one of the directors and several ushers.  They do a great job with the set.  As the show concluded I can honestly say it brought tears to my eyes.  It was a long show however, a little longer than we anticipated and definitely more than some others expected.  It was a total of three hours.  Something to keep in mind if you are going to the 7:30pm show.  Mama Rose and Gypsy Rose were excellent actresses and played their roles expertly.  

If you have not checked out Bradley Theater yet, you really should.  It is amazing.  I remember my very first play experience in Massachusetts.  My mother brought me.  I remember also not wanting to go but had a terrific time.  To this day I am thankful for that experience and am thrilled to be able to offer opportunities such as this for my children.

Tickets are reasonably priced and the Bradley is a non profit organization.

Check out their full 2014 season HERE for details.  However in summary the shows will be:

GYPSY  

DRIVING MISS DAISY

FROST/NIXON   

THE WIZARD OF OZ

FRANKENSTEIN  

A CHRISTMAS CAROL